Van Don

Vân Đồn is a special administrative region of Quảng Ninh province, comprising a group of islands and part of the mainland connected by bridge. The district capital is Cái Rồng (also known as Cái Rồng town), a small port town on Vân Đồn Island. Vân Đồn's strategic position made it an historic trading port, and today it is best known as the gateway to the less-crowded islands of the Gulf of Tonkin, including Quan Lạn and Minh Châu.

Vân Đồn International Airport (VDO IATA) opened in December 2018, significantly boosting access. The town of Cái Rồng has a distinctive T-shape layout: a main road running along the island and the road leading to the port. The district serves as a quieter alternative to Hạ Long Bay for travellers seeking authentic island experiences.

The subtropical climate has warm, humid summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is April–October for island activities.

By Plane

Vân Đồn International Airport (VDO IATA) is located about 10 km from Cái Rồng town. Domestic flights operate from Ho Chi Minh City (2 hours) with Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. International flights include routes from Seoul-Incheon, Shenzhen, and Changsha. A free shuttle bus runs from the airport to Hạ Long, and taxis to Cái Rồng cost around 100,000–200,000 ₫.

By Car / Road

Vân Đồn is on National Highway 18, about 50 km northeast of Hạ Long. By road from Hanoi, take the expressway to Hạ Long then continue east (total about 3.5 hours). Buses from Hạ Long's Bãi Cháy bus station run frequently to Cái Rồng (about 1 hour, 50,000–80,000 ₫). A bus from Hạ Long to Hải Phòng (sometimes listed as Lac Long) departs around 09:30 from the market area.

Cái Rồng town is walkable. For the islands, ferries depart from the port. Taxis and motorbike rentals are available on the main island. Bicycle rental is a good option for exploring the flat areas around town.

• Cái Rồng town: A small working port town with a local market, fishing boats, and a waterfront promenade.

• Vân Đồn Island scenery: Limestone karst topography similar to Hạ Long Bay but far less touristy.

• Cửa Ông Market: On the nearby mainland, a larger market for local produce and goods.

• Mountain pagodas: There is a climbable mountain near the port with pagodas offering panoramic views.

• Ferry to Quan Lạn Island: The most popular island destination — ferries depart Cái Rồng port (1 hour fast boat / 2.5 hours slow boat, 60,000 ₫). Quan Lạn offers beaches, cycling, and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Watch the fishing port: Hang around the port and watch local fishers.

• Get a boat into Hạ Long Bay: From Cái Rồng, hire a boat to see the ocean karst topography of the bay, avoiding the crowds of the main tourist area.

• Island hopping: Take ferries to Ban Sen, Cao Lô, and other less-visited islands.

• Cái Rồng port eateries: Several casual restaurants near the port serve standard Vietnamese fare.
• Seafood: Fresh catches are available at the market and in local restaurants.
• Street food: Bún, phở, and grilled items are available near the market.

• Zebra-striped Cafe (near the T-intersection on the main road): Possibly the only café in town with Wi-Fi — a good stop before heading to the islands. Cheap.
• Bia tươi: Draft beer available at local bia hơi bars.

• Budget: Small hotels near the port from 200,000 ₫ per night. Some negotiate half-day rates for travellers waiting for a ferry.
• Mid-range: A very modern hotel is immediately apparent near the port, offering better amenities from 500,000 ₫.
• Quan Lạn Island: Several homestay options available on the island for those continuing further.

The market in Cái Rồng sells fresh seafood and daily provisions, though it is smaller than the Cửa Ông market on the mainland. Dried seafood is a common local product.

• Quan Lạn Island — 1 hour by fast ferry from Cái Rồng, a pristine island with white sand beaches.
• Hạ Long — 50 km southwest, the main tourist hub for Hạ Long Bay.
• Cô Tô — Further out by ferry, an archipelago of 71 islands with stunning beaches.
• Cẩm Phả — 30 km southwest, with Cửa Ông Temple and Monkey Island.